May 2, 2012 Vosges Haut-Chocolat has several delectable treats for Mother's Day. Moms everywhere will appreciate the new Très Petite Clementine & Ginger Botanical Toffee - an exotic blend of sweet butter toffee, ginger confit, lime and rooibos tea. Enrobed in 62% dark chocolate and garnished with clementine powder, it's a sublime confection that will tantalize the taste buds.
May 1, 2012
In the spirit of going green, Glam sent me a deluxe Eco-Friendly Bliss Bag that was filled with goodies from Neutrogena. I was particularly interested in trying out their Neutrogena Naturals skin care collection as each product is formulated without any sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, dyes or phthalates.
April 27, 2012 Tocca relaunched their sumptuous bath and body collection with new packaging and a paraben-free formula as well as unveiling Giulietta, a new scent. Inspired by the love story of Italian director Federico Fellini and Giulietta Masina, the bright floral scent features Bulgarian rose, ylang ylang, green apple, pink tulip and lily of the valley. It's available as a rich body lotion and a gentle body wash.
April 25, 2012 I've been so lucky to get Mattarello's handmade pasta at my farmers' market. Using local ingredients and traditional Bolognese techniques, it's clear that founders John Pauley and Anna Li make everything with love. While I love all their products, their ragu and pesto sauces are amazing, and I love to use their garlic parsley tagliatelle. The cavatelli and tortelloni are also exceptional. The quality is the same as if you dined at a four-star restaurant.
April 24, 2012 I haven't worn Shiseido makeup since college, so I was excited to test a couple items from their spring 2012 collection. The Shimmering Cream Eye Color really caught my eye. Inspired by artistic director Dick Page’s photography, they have three new shades for this season: Ice (BL215), Sunshower (OR313) and Pale Shell (PK214). I love Ice - the icy blue has an understated shimmer with a tinge of gray, making it perfect for spring and summer.
April 19, 2012 With this crazy summer-like weather going on, I've been on a huge ice cream kick. And, if you're a DIY gal, you'll be inspired with the recipes from Sweet Cream and Sugar Cones, the new cookbook from the sweet ladies of Bi-Rite Creamery.
April 18, 2012
Got travel plans? As you prep for your upcoming trip, here are some tips on what to bring for your beauty regimen. After all, you don't want to drag the entire bath and beauty collection with you!
Do not over pack. The most important rule is to travel lightly - most of us tend to lug way too much stuff. Instead, save some luggage space for shopping. Try to pack your beauty essentials into one or two medium-sized cosmetic bags.
April 16, 2012 Craving an elegant breakfast with stunning views of San Francisco's iconic waterfront? Chaya Brasserie is now offering a new Sunday brunch service. Featuring bottomless mimosas ($12) and morning cocktails, the à la carte menu features hearty gourmet dishes that include the Soft Scrambled Parmesan Egg Open Face Sandwich ($16). Topped with Niman Ranch pork belly and drizzled with black truffle sauce, this rich entree will start the day off right.
April 13, 2012 Cinephiles, prepare to be dazzled at the 55th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 19–May 3). Featuring 174 films from 45 countries, the two-week festival will open with Farewell, My Queen (Les adieux à la reine, France 2012), Benoît Jacquot’s historical drama about the early days of the French revolution. Fans of the American rock band Journey won't want to miss the closing night film, Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey (USA 2012).
Diane Kruger in Benoit Jacquot's "Farewell, My Queen," the Opening Night film at the 55th San Francisco International Film Festival. Photo by Carole Bechuel, courtesy of San Francisco Film Society.
April 11, 2012 I have a new gourmet obsession. Based in Los Angeles, Have It Sweet has been driving my taste buds wild with their artisan marshmallows, buttery caramels, and French-style nougat. The family-run confection company only uses natural, organic and fair trade ingredients.
